Lecture will emphasize needed work for equity in the k12 classroom

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Join Augusta University’s College of Education as it hosts the spring Dean’s Lecture Series on March 15 in the ballroom of the Jaguar Student Activity Center from 6-7 p.m.

Dr. Patricia Alvarez McHatton, dean of the College of Education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, will explore “Knowing is Not Enough: How Do We Move from Awareness to Praxis,” as she addresses the continuing struggle for equity in education. Despite legislative and advocacy efforts, school-aged children are still struggling. How can teachers implement lessons from research in their classrooms?

“We have an ethical and moral responsibility to all children,” McHatton said. “A responsibility to right the wrongs that history has imposed by removing social barriers and providing necessary support. Without support, we’re missing out on talent and we don’t even know what we’ve lost.”

The Dean’s Lecture Series was created by Dean Zach Kelehear in 2016 to stimulate students, staff and faculty with new outlooks.

“An outside person comes in, gives us a fresh perspective on the issues that matter around diversity, equity, and how we are creating just environments for learning to take place,” Kelehear said. “I hope the audience takes away a new viewpoint. If they come with an assumption, an idea, or a belief, and they leave with that it challenged or altered a bit, that would be a lovely outcome.”

McHatton fits this perspective because of her experience with varying levels in education, from middle school to college-aged.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity for our students and the faculty to hear from a scholar who has worked in the areas of social justice,” said Dr. Wayne Lord, associate dean of the College of Education. “I hope others take away from the presentation a sense of importance of social justice in our society today. That we as human beings have a responsibility to attend to the needs of all people, to ensure that they have access to quality education programs.”

Alvarez McHatton started her career by earning her B.A. in special education behavior disorders, learning disabilities and eventually went on to get her M.A. in special education varying exceptionalities. Finally, she got her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in special education and urban education. She is the dean of the College of Education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; and currently also serves as interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.